Benefits and Side Effects of Vitamin C
Common cold or fever, wound or fracture, Vitamin C is the common solution. This vitamin helps in increasing the immune system by boosting the nutrients required. It also helps in reducing the histamine levels and aids in curing cold and fever.
The collagen content in the vitamin plays a vital role in healing the wounds. When used externally, this also acts as a very good sunscreen by protecting the skin from damages caused by UV rays. Citrus juice acts as natural bleach to the skin and as body coolant. Due to these properties, vitamin C is one of the vital components in various skin care products available in the market.
The major known disease called Scurvy is treated by vitamin C. This vitamin got its name ascorbic acid which means devoid of scurvy. James a well known British scientist found Vitamin C to be the remedy for scurvy.
The antioxidant property in vitamin C helps in preventing cancer. This property assists in keeping body cells and their mechanism from being damaged and dying. The antioxidant property also helps in maintaining cholesterol levels in our body, thus, reducing the risk of heart problems.
Nutrients in this vitamin are also good for your eyes. It acts as a safeguard to your eye lens and prevents blurring of eyes, one of the basic indications of cataract.
It is also found that the healing property in Vitamin C helps in controlling the blood sugar, thus, curing diabetes. It is water soluble, so it is non-toxic.
Problems due to deficiency of vitamin C
Scurvy, early ageing, fatigue, reduced collagen levels, loss of blood, slow curing of wounds, gum inflammation and yellowing, insufficient thyroid secretion, weakening of capillaries, lack of resistance for illness and unsustainable situation for medicines and environmental toxins are few consequences of vitamin C deficiency. These problems can be rectified by intake of fruits, vegetables and supplements that are rich sources of Vitamin C.
Foods with vitamin C
Citrus fruits like lemon, orange, grapefruit, sweet lime, guava, kiwis and strawberries are good source of vitamin C. Vegetables like tomato, potato, cantaloupe, broccoli, red cabbage, green pepper, red pepper, radish, cauliflower, lentils, gooseberries, eggplant, and spinach are well-known suppliers of this vitamin as well.
If the natural sources are not easily available, you can choose from the range of over the counter vitamin C supplements. It will benefit you the same way as the natural sources.
Side effects of vitamin C
Overdose of anything will hinder the metabolism of the body. Excess dosage of vitamin C causes diarrhea, indigestion, hemolytic anemia and kidney stones. In few cases, overdose of vitamin C may cause miscarriage by lessening the progesterone secretion by corpus luteum. It may also result in jaundice, skin rashes, back pain and fever.
Tips to remember
– Eat healthy and stay healthy.
– Always opt for natural resources than food supplements.
– It is a myth that excess medicines will cure the illness fast. Always take the prescribed quantity of medicines.
– Consult a doctor before taking any food supplements.
Vitamin C is an ideal solution for many health issues and does not have any side effects, as it is water soluble when taken under the limits. Add the right quantity of all necessary vitamins and minerals in your food and live a healthy life.
